Self-Inking Stamps vs Pre-Inked Stamps

There are a variety of styles of hand-held stamps available. These include Self-Inking Stamps, Pre-Inked Stamps, and Traditional Wood Handled Rubber Stamps that require a separate ink pad. Both pre-inked and self-inking are cleaner and make faster, more consistent impressions than traditional rubber stamps, which is why they have become the more popular modern choice when purchasing a custom stamp for addresses, signature stamps, and logo stamps while traditional stamps are still preferred for crafting and artistic use.

What Are the Differences Between Self-Inking & Pre-Inked Stamps?

A Custom Self-Inking Stamp typically has a rotating mechanism that presses the rubber stamp dye into a built-in water-based ink pad that re-inks the dye every time an impression is made. The rubber dye is stored in a retracted position in between impressions.

A Custom Pre-Inked Stamp is a type of stamp that has a reservoir of oil-based ink built directly into the rubber dye, which means that it does not require a separate ink pad like a self-inking stamp. This ink reservoir is filled with ink that is specially formulated to be absorbed by the rubber die to create crisp, clear impressions.

Everything from the way the stamp is made to the impression it leaves is truly unique. Let's take a look at what these stamps are and how they work.

What Is A Self-Inking Stamp?

A self-inking stamp makes the traditional rubber stamp automatic by using a tiny built-in ink pad to re-ink itself for each quality impression. Your personalized die is made with real rubber and mounted on the ink stamps of your choosing. When making an impression, your die will retract back and forth against the internal ink pad within the stamp.

Initial ink pad comes in the stamp, but you can purchase additional ink for instances where impressions are becoming worn or when you would like to change your ink color. Just be sure to look for ink that is compatible with self-inking mounts.

• A self-inking stamp is best for stamping repeatedly and quickly
• Works quickly with a simple press
• Can handle rough and heavy use
• Can use a variety of inks which is useful for periodic re-inking
• Self-inking stamps make about 10,000 impressions before needing ink
• Easy to re-fill ink on your own
• Affordable good quality impression

What Is a Pre-Inked Stamp

A pre-inked Stamp does not use a rubber die. These models flash your personalized information into an ink filled vessel within the stamp. This method allows for ink droplets to seep through the impression area only from the ink reservoir behind the stamp.

Pre-inked stamps must be re-inked with liquid oil-based ink only. They require the use of the same color as the initial ink stamps you've used. You must use ink specific to the manufacturer of the stamp mount that you've chosen.

• A pre-inked stamp creates sharp, crisp, top quality impressions
• Longest lasting ink stamps with up to 50,000 impressions
• Compact mounts that are clean and easy to work with
• Mounts have a bottom cover for storage
• Easy to re-fill with ink, but must always use the same type
• Recommended for stamps with logos

Is a Self-Inking or Pre-Inked Stamp Better?

Self-inking stamps are the most popular stamp type on the market and designed to make stamping easy, efficient, and affordable. Since there is no need to re-ink the stamp in between sessions, self-inking stamps can make thousands of impressions in a row, saving you time and money. They are a reliable choice for both professional and personal needs and we recommend them when speed is of the essence. Because self-inking stamps use water-based ink and may smudge on non-porous surfaces, they are not appropriate for shiny or glossy surfaces.

Pre-inked stamps provide the best quality impression and can achieve the highest level of detail. If you want an uncompromised impression and cost is no object, pre-inked stamps are the top-of-the-line stamp. It may even appear like the impressions are machine printed instead of stamped. When stamping on shiny or glossy surfaces we always recommend pre-inked stamps using oil-based ink. Pre-inked stamps are suggested for projects or any design that requires precision over speed.

Step #1:

The first step when ordering your signature stamp is to sign a blank sheet of paper three times. Be sure you're signing your signature onto a piece of paper with no lines, and avoid using a wide-tipped writing utensil like a sharpie, and instead use a fine-tipped pen.

Step #2:

Once you've signed the paper three times, you'll need to take a picture of the signature with your phone and save the image on your phone or desktop -- wherever you're ordering your new signature stamp.

Step #3:

Finally, you'll upload your art on the signature stamp product page on Simply Stamps. When choosing the size of your stamp, be sure to take into consideration the size of signature you'll need. We can fit your signature onto any sized stamp, but different sizes work better for different tasks. Please check the dimensions of each stamp before ordering to ensure you'll get the size of stamp you want.

There are also a number of different creative ways you can use your signature stamp. Whether you own a small business or a large corporation, you can equip your team members with signature stamps for thank you cards. Sending a thank you card to your customers can have a big impact because it adds a personal touch. When establishing relationships with your customers, never under estimate the power of a handwritten note!

Signature stamps can also be used on your children's artwork or school papers. Sometimes it feels like watching your children grow happens in the blink of an eye, so be sure to hold onto those cherished memories by keeping the things they created as a child. Having a signature stamp made with their signature is a fun way to have them easily sign every painting, drawing, or short story they create. It will help them mark their work as their own and will instill in them a sense of pride.

We hope we've made it clear to see just how easy it is to order your custom signature stamp! By following these simple steps, you're sure to receive the best signature stamp possible whenever you're ordering from Simply Stamps.

Ready to place your order for your signature stamp? Shop our selection of essential business stamps on Simply Stamps!

Signature stamps are a handy tool for any office space, but are they legal? There is some confusion as to whether signature stamps are considered a legal form of authorization. Unfortunately, the answer still remains ambiguous and needs to be addressed in steps.

Let's first start with defining what a signature is. Because, there's more to it than you think.

Definition of Signature

Since many official documents require authorization in some form, understanding the legal definition of "signature" is an important first step to unpacking the legality of signature stamps. According to The Free Dictionary, "signature" is defined as:

A mark or sign made by an individual on an instrument or document to signify knowledge, approval, acceptance, or obligation.¹

While this is the most upfront and obvious definition, there is an additional layer when considering what constitutes a legal signature.

Legally, in addition to the act of signing, an individual's intent is taken into consideration when addressing the validity of a signature.² This is why a signature is not always a specific or unique way of writing your name, and in fact, can be considered a signature by mark.³ A valid signature could include a drawn image, official seal, or a simple alphabetic character so long as the signee understands and intends for their mark to serve as their signature.

With this in mind, the next question is; are signature stamps covered under this definition?

What are Signature Stamps?

In the simplest of terms; a signature stamp is an implement personalized with an individual's name for quick and easy authorization of documents. These stamps can come customized with just a signature or can include both a signature and printed name. Signature stamps can come in a variety of styles including self-inking, pre-inked, or wood handle, and while each stamp format serves the same basic function, they each appeal to different aesthetics.

Self-inking stamps tend to be the most popular as they are more affordable than pre-inked and have a stamp ink pad built into the stamp body itself.

You can read more about the differences between these stamp types here.

With the outbreak of COVID-19, keeping a personal signature stamp on your person is a good way to maintain professionalism even while social distancing. It's also better to use your own tools to reduce the spread of germs.

While signature stamps are useful tools for any professional, there is some concern as to whether they are considered a legal method for authorization or not.

Are Signature Stamps Legal?

The short answer is; yes, you can generally use signature stamps as a legal authorizing mark. So long as your stamp is intentionally used and validated by you or an authorized representative you appoint, a signature stamp can serve as a legal form of signing.

Now, this is generally speaking.

There are circumstances where specific protocols or regulations must be followed for signature stamps to be legally used.

Some states require special documentation or witnesses to be present for signature stamps to be used on forms and documents requiring notarization.

For example, North and South Carolina require "Mark affixed by [name] in presence of undersigned notary" next to their impression. And, states like Arizona, Arkansas, and California, among others, limit the use of signatures by mark to individuals who are unable to physically signing their name.³

In 2018, one notary had to defend herself against a million-dollar suit as she allowed a signature stamp to be used without following her state's specified protocols.⁴ Be sure you are familiar with your state's notary public laws and how they apply to signature stamps.

It's important to note: Simply Stamps is not a law firm. As such, please speak with a lawyer if you need official legal consulting concerning your signature stamp.

With these special considerations, you may need to weigh the benefits and drawbacks to using or keeping a signature stamp readily available.

Pros & Cons of Signature Stamps

Knowing now that a signature stamp is generally accepted as an official and legal mark of authorization, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of keeping one.

As with any purchase, considering both benefits and drawbacks is an important step to making an informed decision.

Pros

There are many reasons to purchase and use a signature stamp. It is a useful tool for both personal and professional use that helps simplify or expedite certain tasks.

• Simplifies frequent and repeated signing
• Consistent appearance removes ambiguity
• Allows physically disabled to easily sign

Cons

There are a couple things to be wary of with signature stamps. Perhaps the greatest threat is that should your stamp get stolen, it allows the thief to then use it for fraudulent purposes. In 2003, a man admitted to stealing $802,000 over six years from the Massachusetts Teachers' Association through the use of a stamp to sign-off on fraudulent checks.⁵

• Certain businesses or organization may not accept stamped signatures
• Increases chance of fraud if it falls into the wrong hands

To prevent fraud, you may want to take measures to protect yourself. Keep your or your company's signature stamp in a limited access space such as a safe, locker, or locked closet. Only allow certain, authorized individuals access to your stamp, and keep the location of your stamp on a need-to-know basis.

Getting the Best Signature Stamp

Simply Stamps specializes in creating custom rubber stamps for personal and professional use. If you're considering simplifying the way you sign, then browse our selection of logo stamps and stamps with dates to find the signature stamp to fit your needs.

If you're wondering how to get a signature stamp, simply follow these steps:

1. Grab a white sheet of paper
2. Sign your name three times with a felt tip pen (minimum of 1" in length)
3. Choose a signature stamp style from Simply Stamps
4. Upload your signature and choose from available options
5. Place your order and Simply Stamps will ship it to you

Once you receive your custom signature stamp, store it in a dry, room-temperature space free of dust and debris. To clean your stamp, gently rinse your rubber stamp under warm water and carefully wipe clean.

See our complete guide on cleaning your stamp for more information.

References:

1. Legal Dictionary: The Free Dictionary
2. Bizfluent